10 Facts about Matthew A. Henson

Facts about Matthew A. Henson give the interesting information about the first African American arctic explorer who was born on 8 August 1866. He died on 9th March 1955. His full name was Matthew Alexander Henson. For almost 23 years, he participated in the seven voyages of Robert Peary as his associate. He had spent 18 years in the expedition and fulfilled six voyages. Let us check other interesting facts about Matthew A. Henson by reading the following post below:

Facts about Matthew A. Henson 1: the role of Henson

Do you know the role of Henson? He became the artisan and navigator. He was called the first man of Peary who had a trade with the Inuit people. He also studied their language.

Facts about Matthew A. Henson 2: the Geographic North Pole

The dispute related to the first people who came to the Geographic North Pole was still a matter of dispute. It was believed that Peary and Henson had an expedition to Greenland in 1909. They also had four Inuit men.

Facts about Matthew Henson

Facts about Matthew A. Henson 3: the first African-American member

Henson was considered as the first African-American accepted as the member of the Explorers Club in 1937 because of his achievement during the expedition.

Facts about Matthew A. Henson 4: an honorary member

Henson was respected. That is why he was included as an honorary member.

Facts about Matthew A. Henson 5: Wally Herbert

Wally Herbert believed that Peary and his members actually had not reached the North Pole after he made a research regarding the astronomical observation and diary of Peary. Herbert’s conclusion was still a matter of dispute though many people agreed with him.

Matthew Henson Facts

Facts about Matthew A. Henson 6: a memoir

A Negro Explorer at the North Pole was a memoir written by Henson. It was published in 1912. Peary created a praise and foreword in his memory.